Gulf Coast Youth Orchestra

Character. Commitment. Discipline. Community.

The Gulf Coast Youth Orchestra aims to be the region’s premier youth orchestra for gifted, young, classical musicians, and become one of the most highly regarded youth orchestras in the United States.  

Our mission is extraordinary music education through the pursuit of music excellence to inspire a strong sense of character, discipline, commitment, and community for our diverse student population. Students collaborate and create in a unique learning environment, developing fundamental skills including leadership, self-confidence, teamwork, and resilience. We are committed to educating, encouraging, and empowering each young musician so that they may pursue personal excellence both on and off the stage.

The youth orchestra is open to students ages 15 to 22 and provides unparalleled orchestral training, masterclass instruction, and performance opportunities.

Location: Music and Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers, FL

Schedule: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (September – mid May)

Open to: String, woodwind, brass, percussion, and harp players

Ages: 15 – 22 

All student participating this 2025-2026 school year will receive free tuition!

Placement Auditions will be held following the first rehearsals. While there is no entrance audition this season, students will be expected to be able to play the standard orchestral repertoire, and be proficient at their instrument at an advanced level! 

The First Rehearsal

The first rehearsal for the Gulf Coast Symphony Youth Orchestra will be held on Saturday November 8th at the Music and Arts Center. While our youth orchestra is tuition-free, all students must be registered prior to the first rehearsal. New people are welcome to join after this date as well, through January!

Why Join GCYO?

• Strengthen college and conservatory applications.
• Perform professional-level orchestral repertoire at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, collaborating with renowned soloists.
• Train with some of the best professional musicians and educators in Southwest Florida, and receive advanced orchestral training through masterclass sectionals with members of the Gulf Coast Symphony.
• Build essential life skills, including perseverance, responsibility, and artistic excellence, preparing for success in music and beyond.

Registration is open

Ready to Join? Click the Register button to sign up for this tuition-free program. You’ll be asked to complete a registration form with important details about your student. Please fill out one form per child.

Although there is no tuition fee—registration is required to reserve your spot. After submitting the form, our team will follow up with any necessary next steps.